Best beaches on Malta: Ghajn Tuffieha, Golden Bay

This beach near Golden Bay, Malta, is known as Ghajn Tuffieha and is renowned
for its unspoilt atmosphere, fine sands and perfect sunsets.

'Come for the unspoilt rural atmosphere, with tamarisk, samphire and acacia flanking a stretch of fine sand'Photo: Flickr/Leslievella64

By Matthew Teller

1:31PM BST 12 Sep 2008

Why go?

Ghajn Tuffieha (meaning “the Apple’s Eye”), is next to Golden Bay, one of Malta’s most popular beaches and because it can only be reached by a flight of 180 steps, it’s much quieter than its neighbour. Come for the unspoilt rural atmosphere, with tamarisk, samphire and acacia flanking a stretch of fine sand, then stay for the sunsets, looking due west across the waves. The beach is managed by the Gaia Foundation, a local environmental body (www.projectgaia.org).

Surfing is just starting to get popular on Malta; Ghajn Tuffieha is a prized destination. Adventure operators on Golden Bay next door offer waterskiing, paragliding, jetskiing, pedalos – even canoe-rental.

Bars and bites

Although Golden Bay is overlooked by beach bars and a massive Radisson SAS hotel, Ghajn Tuffieha is blissfully undeveloped: there are usually roving drinks vendors on the beach – along with a kiosk in the car park at the top of the steps selling light snacks – but otherwise this is picnic territory.

Getting there

Buses run from the Maltese capital Valletta, its resort neighbour Sliema and the nearest big town to Ghajn Tuffieha, Bugibba, on Malta’s north coast.